Poor oral health, including your teeth and gums, affects your overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral health can affect your or your family's ability to eat, speak, smile and socialise, causing pain and embarrassment.
Oral health problems include:
- Gum (periodontal) disease
- Tooth decay (dental caries)
- Tooth loss
- Oral cancers.
A major cause of tooth decay is sugary foods and drinks, especially if you have them between meals. The longer the sugary food is in contact with teeth, the more damage it can cause. To learn more visit Sugar Smart.
How do I improve my oral health?
- Always brush your teeth right before bed and at least one other time during the day
- Wait until 20 minutes has passed before brushing your teeth if you have eaten
- Use a toothpaste that has a high fluoride content (do not buy children's toothpaste- use adult toothpaste for your whole family)
- Brush, spit and don't rinse (to leave the floride on the enamel)
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks to meal times only
- Visit your dentist regularly if you can. If you need a NHS dentist please put your postcode in the dental choices website (external link) to find the nearest dentist taking on NHS patients.
Emergency dental care
- For emergency dental care and advice, call 0333 332 3800. We are available from 8am - 10pm every day of the year.
Find a dentist near you (external link) on the NHS website (external link). Check your local dentist's opening times, services, facilities, reviews and ratings.